Middle East and North Africa

There are confirmed human cases of the A (H1N1) virus (swine flu) in Libya (source: Libyan Health Ministry). The Libyan authorities have announced a number of measures to combat the spread of the H1N1 virus in Libya.

• On arrival in Libya, all passengers must complete an information card, giving details of recent travel and any flu-like symptoms that they have experienced in the last two weeks. A copy of the card [PDF, 85KB] can be found on the website of the National Centre for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases.
• The Libyan authorities may also take the temperatures of passengers arriving from abroad. This is done using a forehead thermometer.
• Any travellers displaying flu-like symptoms may be placed in quarantine for several days or barred entry and returned to the country from which they have come.

The latest information (in Arabic only) on swine flu in Libya can be obtained from the National Centre for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) pandemic threat alert phase has been raised to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any further developments and advice. There is a dedicated the swine flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu is available on the UK Department of Health website.

 

The Libyan authorities confirmed a small outbreak of bubonic plague in the Al-Tarsha area, approximately 40 km south of Tubruq, in May 2009. A World Health Organisation (WHO) team travelled to the area and reported that the outbreak had been contained.

Health care in Libya is on the whole below the standard available in the UK. There are, however, a couple of private clinics in Tripoli. If you require treatment local hospitals and private clinics should be able to stabilise you, but you would normally be medically evacuated to Malta or mainland Europe for further treatment. You should ensure that your insurance covers you for such an event.

 

If your itinerary includes travel to remote or desert areas you should be aware that it might prove impossible for you to receive timely assistance in the case of serious injury or illness. Even if your travel agent or insurance company has arrangements with an international air ambulance provider, they may not be allowed to carry out a rescue operation within Libya. The current status of Libyan rescue services is undetermined.

 

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

 

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Libya and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. 

 

For more general health information see travel health.